By Ann Roosevelt
In Afghanistan last week, the U.S. commander of the 10th Mountain Div. took the reins of Regional Command (South), part of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from the United Kingdom at ceremonies in Kandahar.
Lt. Gen. David Rodriguez, the commander of ISAF Joint Command, told Maj. Gen. James Terry to “keep the partnerships strong–expand them. With your support, it will be the security forces, the government leadership, and mostly the people who will find solutions that will turn hope and growing confidence into reality.”
Personnel from 20 nations watched as Gen. Sher Mohammad Karimi, chief of staff, Afghan National Army, and Gen. David Petraeus, the Commander of ISAF forces in Afghanistan, presented medals to outgoing U.K. Maj. Gen. Nick Carter, a statement from the U.K. Ministry of Defence said.
Terry recognized Carter and the U.K. effort: “you and your team have been invaluable in your support these past eight months. Through your tireless effort, you have been true and proven friends for the people of southern Afghanistan. In partnership you have led the way toward greater hope of a better future. Every member of your team can and must take deep pride in your many accomplishments.
This is the 10th Mountain’s fourth deployment to Afghanistan.
“Our history with Afghanistan is one of shared challenges, Terry said Nov. 2. “As Afghans say, ‘the friend appears at hard times, not at big dinners,'” he said. “Afghanistan faces many challenges brought on by violent insurgents–selfish men who defy honor, respect and humanity, who bully and kill innocent people, all in an effort to impose their will on others. Together, we will counter those who wish harm on people.”
U.S. Joint Forces Command conducted a mission rehearsal exercise in July with Terry and his staff in preparation for the Afghanistan deployment, work aimed at a smooth transition. The exercise included members of the international force, role players, replication of the Joint ISAF command systems, and realistic scenarios drawn from previous deployments.
Prior to taking command at 10th Mountain, Terry led the Army’s Future Force Integration Directorate, part of the Army Capabilities Integration Center at Training and Doctrine Command at Ft. Bliss, Texas, overseeing the development of advanced equipment, Terry took that job straight from Afghanistan, where he was deputy commanding general (operations) for Combined Joint Task Force 76.
The 10th Mountain Division will be in charge of RC South until the fall of 2011.